S.F. crash kills co-host of HGTV's 'Curb Appeal'

Updated 6:52 pm, Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Photo: HGTV.com

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Bill Beckwith

Bill Beckwith

Photo: HGTV.com

S.F. crash kills co-host of HGTV's 'Curb Appeal'

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A motorcyclist who was struck and killed by a car in San Francisco's Lower Haight neighborhood was identified Tuesday as Bill Beckwith, a contractor and carpenter who co-hosted the HGTV show "Curb Appeal."

Beckwith, 38, was hit near Oak and Steiner streets about 8:30 p.m. Monday, police said, and died at San Francisco General Hospital. The driver of the car, a 30-year-old man who was not identified, stopped and cooperated with investigators.

Beckwith founded a San Francisco company in 2001, BB Design Build, that specialized in cabinetry and finish work. He went on to star on "Curb Appeal," a show in which people's outdated homes are given makeovers.

A native of Maine, Beckwith graduated from the University of Montana with degrees in modern dance and English. He was a kickboxer, yoga enthusiast and martial artist, and an actor who was a member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Beckwith's family launched a Facebook page Tuesday to remember him. His girlfriend, Yulia Korneeva, wrote, "My love, so kind and bright, adventurous and strong. You are loved by so many good people! I wish you could stay with us for way longer."

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A friend, 29-year-old Victoria Canty of San Francisco, said Beckwith was known as a "total adventurer" with a mischievous nature.

She recalled meeting him for the first time when she was worked as a bartender. Beckwith and a friend pretended to be from Stockton and acted "totally obnoxious," asking for free whiskey and food and "tips on where to pick up women."

Canty said she had hoped Beckwith's death was also a practical joke, with Beckwith "up there smiling and laughing, knowing that the joke's on us." She said her friend was "just a really welcoming person and always really fun to be around."

Citing his diverse interests and far-flung travels, she said, "Honestly, he's like a superhuman." She said she couldn't believe Beckwith was killed just blocks from his home.

In a statement, network officials said, "The HGTV family is deeply saddened by Bill's tragic death, and we mourn his loss along with his many family and friends who will miss his creativity, adventurous spirit and general love of life."